Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel Clipper Blades: What is Better & How Do You Maintain Them?

Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel Clipper Blades: What is Better & How Do You Maintain Them?

If you use a clipper to trim your hair, beard, or even body hair, you know how important it is that the blades stay sharp and function well. Yet at Revahs, we often receive the same questions from customers:

• "My clipper pulls on my hair, what now?"

• "What is better: ceramic blades or stainless steel?"

• "How do I best maintain my clipper blades?"

In this comprehensive blog, we delve deeper into these frequently asked questions. We discuss the pros and cons of ceramic and stainless steel (RVS) blades, provide practical maintenance tips, and explain how you can significantly extend the lifespan of your clipper.

1. The basics: What do clipper blades actually do?

The blades of your clipper are the heart of the device. They move rapidly over each other to cut hair evenly. Our Revahs cordless clippers, for example, make 7200 rotations per minute. The sharpness and quality of these blades determine how smoothly the clipper glides through the hair. Dull or poorly maintained blades can pull, tear, or even cause skin irritation.

2. The big question: ceramic or stainless steel?

Ceramic clipper blades

Ceramic knives are becoming increasingly popular, especially with premium clippers like the Revahs Clipper One (Pro) and Clipper Two (Pro). They have several advantages:

Advantages:

• Stay sharper longer: ceramic is harder than steel and wears less quickly

• Become less warm: ideal for prolonged use

• Quieter: produce less noise during shaving

• Do not oxidize: so they don't rust with normal use

Disadvantages:

• More vulnerable: can break if you drop the trimmer

• Slightly more expensive: often found in trimmers from a higher price range

Stainless steel trimmer blades

Stainless steel blades are the traditional choice and are still widely used.

Advantages:

• Strong and robust: good resistance to drops

• Affordable: cheaper to produce and therefore often found in budget models

• Easy to replace: separate blades are easy to find

Disadvantages:

• Wear out faster: need to be sharpened or replaced more often

• Heat development: can heat up faster with prolonged use

3. What suits you best?

The choice between ceramic and stainless steel depends on how intensively you use the trimmer. Are you a professional or do you shave multiple times a week? Then ceramic is worth the investment. Do you use the trimmer occasionally for your beard or neckline? Then stainless steel usually suffices.

At Revahs, we consciously choose ceramic blades in our premium models because of their durability, comfort, and performance.

4. Maintenance: the key to long-lasting performance

Whatever type of blade you choose, proper maintenance is essential. Many users only think about this when the clipper no longer performs optimally. With these steps, you ensure your clipper lasts for years.

Daily maintenance (after each use)

• Removing hairs: use the supplied brush to sweep away loose hairs.

• Keep dry: store your clipper in a dry place, preferably in a case or storage box.

Weekly maintenance (with regular use)

• Oiling: Apply a few drops of clipper oil to the blades while the device is running. This prevents friction and extends the lifespan.

• Not too much oil: A drop is enough. Excess oil attracts dirt.

Monthly maintenance

• Deep cleaning: Use a special clipper cleaner or 70% alcohol on a cotton swab. Clean carefully between the blades.

• Inspecting: Check if the blades are still straight and move well. Stuck or damaged blades can cause damage to skin and hair.

Be careful when using water

Not all clippers are waterproof. Are you using a model that is (such as the Revahs Bodygroomer or the IPX6 waterproof SkullShaver)? Then you can rinse the blades under the tap. Dry thoroughly afterwards.

5. Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

🚫 Do not use oil: Without oil, friction occurs, causing the blades to dull faster or even get damaged.

🚫 Cleaning with water on non-waterproof models: This causes rust and defects.

🚫 Disassembling blades without knowledge: It seems simple, but incorrect reassembly can worsen the operation of the clipper. Let us know if you want to disassemble the blades, then we can send a video of the disassembly.

🚫 Forgot to clean: Accumulated hair and dirt affect the performance of the blades and can cause blockages.

6. Tips for optimal performance

• Use the correct attachment combs: This prevents direct contact between blade and skin, which ensures an even result and less wear.

• Store your clipper safely: For example, in the charging station or in a protective cover.

• Let the clipper cool down after intensive use: This prevents overheating of the motor and blades.

7. When should you replace the blades?

Even the best blades eventually wear out. Watch for these signs:

• The device pulls on your hair

• The sound changes or becomes louder

• The result is uneven or rough

With self-sharpening blades like in the Revahs Clipper Two, this happens much less quickly, but with intensive use, replacement after one to two years is normal.

8. Summary: your checklist

The type of blade you choose. Ceramic or stainless steel affects your shaving experience, maintenance, and durability. While ceramic blades are ideal for long-lasting comfort and sharpness, stainless steel offers a solid, affordable option for the occasional user.

Whatever you choose: a well-maintained clipper works better, lasts longer, and ensures a smoother result. So don't forget to regularly clean and oil your blades.

Want to know which type of clipper suits you best? Check out our range at revahs.nl or contact our customer service for personal advice.

Choosing the right clipper blades for long-term performance

The difference between ceramic and stainless steel blades becomes especially noticeable over time. Blade quality affects not only cutting comfort, but also durability, maintenance, and how smoothly a clipper performs after months or years of use.

High-quality clippers combine strong motor performance with blades that stay sharp longer and generate less friction. This reduces heat buildup, prevents irritation, and helps maintain consistent cutting results.

If you want to understand what really defines a high-quality hair clipper beyond blade material alone, this guide explains the most important factors: what to look for in a high-quality hair clipper

Do blade materials affect pulling and irritation?

Yes. Blade material plays a significant role in how smoothly hair is cut. Dull or overheated blades can cause resistance, leading to pulling, uneven cutting, or discomfort. Especially on thicker hair types.

Ceramic blades generally stay cooler during use, while stainless steel blades are known for their strength and durability. When combined with a powerful motor and proper maintenance, both can deliver excellent results.

If your clipper tends to pull hair instead of cutting cleanly, this guide explains the most common causes and how to fix them: why hair clippers pull hair and how to prevent it

Blade maintenance matters more than most people think

Even the best blades will perform poorly without proper care. Regular cleaning and oiling help reduce friction, extend blade life, and keep cutting performance consistent.

For clippers designed for frequent use, blade quality and maintenance work hand in hand with battery life and motor power. This is especially important for cordless clippers, where efficiency directly impacts performance.

To learn how modern cordless clippers balance blade performance and power delivery, read more here: cordless hair clippers explained

You can also explore a complete overview of professional hair clippers designed for smooth, precise cutting: view all hair clippers

Frequently asked questions

Are ceramic clipper blades better than stainless steel?

Ceramic blades stay cooler and remain sharp longer, while stainless steel blades are extremely durable. The best choice depends on how often you use your clipper and how well you maintain it.

How often should clipper blades be cleaned and oiled?

Ideally after every few uses. Regular maintenance prevents friction, reduces heat, and extends the lifespan of the blades.

Can blade quality affect battery life?

Yes. Dull or inefficient blades create more resistance, forcing the motor to work harder and draining the battery faster.

Choosing the right clipper for your needs

If you are looking for a clipper that performs well for home use, blade quality should always be considered alongside motor power and battery reliability. These guides help you choose the right model: Best hair clippers for home use and Best clippers for beard and fades

Compare professional cordless models here: professional cordless clippers compared

And if you regularly shave your head, this step-by-step guide explains how blade choice impacts comfort and results: how to shave your head with a hair clipper